THIEVES have tarnished a North-East cathedral's jubilee celebrations by stealing historic items from an exhibition.

Military medals, map-making instruments and a vintage flying scarf were taken from St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle.

They had been on show as part of its 60 Glorious Years Flower Festival.

The Rev Canon Sheila Bamber said: "It is outrageous that people should just come in and take stuff from displays that people have spent many days preparing.

"These displays were designed to be part of the celebration of a great occasion in our nation's life and stealing from them is a wanton act of selfishness and blatant disregard for anyone else.

"I simply can't understand what makes anyone stoop so low as to steal items that have very little monetary value but to their owners are priceless in terms of sentimental value.

"These thieves have just wandered in wilfully and spoiled other peoples parties and celebrations. It's not on."

The flower festival, which was opened by the Duchess of Northumberland, attracted more than 2,000 visitors over the weekend.

There was also a series of evening concerts and a fringe fashion show as part of Newcastle Fashion Week.

The festival's chief florist, Margaret Vickers, said: "I think it is a terrible thing that someone would steal medals that someone who had fought in wars to protect the freedom of our nation had won. What were they thinking of?

"I don't know if they stole them for money, I hope not.

"I don't hold out much hope that they will be recovered."

The thefts have been reported to police and officers have taken statements and told local dealers to be on the lookout.

Canon Bamber said the cathedral has previously been targeted by thieves.

She said: "Last year we had a collection box stolen - that was another stupid and outrageous theft. The box contained less than £20. It's just senseless."